1969 Allentown mayoral election

Bracy would see a concerted challenge from the Allentown Democratic Party which saw Daddona, a young fresh face who promised responsive leadership and change to the way the city was run with Bracy's age being one of the main issues.^[2] Daddona would handily defeat Bracy.^[3]

There would be no serious Republican primary as the party coalesced around Clifford S. “Chips” Bartholomew, a longtime educator who served as the principle of William Allen High School from the 1940s until just before the election.^[4]

Bartholomew campaigned emphasizing integrity and effective administration.^[4] The race quickly became similar to the democratic primary, with the main issue being the generational divide between Bartholomew and Daddona, with Daddona having been a student at William Allen when Bartholomew was principle.^[5] Additionally, urban redevelopment, government responsiveness, and the city’s future direction, with Daddona campaigning as the "voice of the working people" while Bartholomew stressed the need for stability and experience.^[2] Both candidates pledged to revitalize Allentown’s economy and address concerns about public safety and services.^[2] Daddona, infamously, was so sure that he would win the election, that he voted for Bartholomew.^[6]

Republican victory would end 14 years of Democratic control of city hall.^[6] Alongside the election Allentown adopted a new Home Rule Charter with voters approving transitioning to a “strong mayor” form of government with Bartholomew being the first strong mayor.^[4]

Following his defeat Bracy would retire from politics.^[8] Much like Bracy, Bartholomew would be defeated by a primary challenge in 1973 while the Democrats re-nominated Daddona who would go on to win.^[6]

Although Daddona would lose his re-election bid in 1977, he would go on to be elected in 1981, 1985 and 1989 being a major force in Allentown politics through the 1970s, 80s and early 90s.^[5] During the 1977 election, a local contractor and Democratic donor, Dominic Falcone, claimed that he had illegally contributed $1,500 to Daddona’s 1969 campaign, in excess of legal limits which caused Daddona to lose the narrow election.^[9] Falcone would also put up a $10,000 bounty on any politician that would run against Daddona in the 1981 primaries.^[9]